As thousands of Victorian students prepare for their final exams, anxiety levels are on the rise not only among the teens but also among their parents. The VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) exams begin with the mandatory English test on October 28, 2023, marking a crucial period for both students and families. While some students have already completed assessments in music, language, or dance, many parents are grappling with their own stress as their children approach this pivotal moment in their educational journey.
Child psychiatrist Paul Denborough, who oversees three Headspace centres providing mental health support for young people, reported an uptick in calls for assistance during the VCE exam season. As a parent of a student in Year 12, Denborough empathizes with the parental experience. “You want your child to do well, she wants to do well. You’re a bit helpless,” he shared. He emphasized the importance of parents remaining calm and grounded, acknowledging that stress can affect their children’s behavior.
Strategies for Parents to Manage Stress
Denborough advised parents to avoid pressuring their children about their study habits, as students are already acutely aware of the importance of their upcoming exams. “We need to be open and listening when they tell us what they need, and take them seriously,” he stated.
The experience of Serena Jiang, a member of the Headspace Youth Advisory Council and a VCE graduate from 2021, highlights the severe impact of prolonged stress on students. Jiang described feelings of detachment and difficulty concentrating, common among students facing the pressures of VCE. She cautioned against social media comparison, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. “They feel like they aren’t in their own skin anymore,” she explained.
At Kolbe Catholic College in Greenvale Lakes, the school has implemented a comprehensive social and emotional learning program to support students during their final years. Deputy Principal Adam Gonzalez emphasized the importance of consistent study habits throughout the year. In the weeks leading up to exams, he recommended that students schedule their study time, maintain healthy sleep patterns, exercise regularly, and continue socializing with friends and family.
Gonzalez also encouraged active recall techniques, such as practice exams, to enhance retention of information. “Every single question they do, every five minutes of extra study is one step closer to one point,” he noted, urging students not to give up even if they feel discouraged.
Supportive Approaches for Students
The importance of parental support during this period cannot be overstated. Gonzalez warned against unrealistic expectations, advising parents to encourage focus without adding undue pressure. “If parents are expecting drastic changes in their child’s study habits in the final weeks, that’s going to be unrealistic,” he said.
Year 12 wellbeing captain Isabella Taylor echoed these sentiments, cautioning that excessive pressure can lead to negative outcomes. “Too much parental pressure could make things worse,” she said, emphasizing the need for parents to take mental health seriously. “It’s important to believe your children when they say they are struggling.”
Former VCE student Tania Ghasriani advised that parents should engage in conversations unrelated to VCE to alleviate some of the pressure. “Something as simple as listening goes a long way,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of emotional support during this stressful time.
Jacqui Peters, a senior lecturer at Deakin University, reminded parents that the ATAR score, while significant, is not a lifelong reflection of their child’s worth. “Your ATAR is not a tattoo on your forehead or an indelible mark that they will carry around for life,” she said. Peters urged parents to avoid comparing their own experiences with their children’s, as the current academic landscape can be markedly different.
Headspace offers early intervention mental health services for youth aged 12 to 25 and provides free online counselling through eHeadspace. They also conduct information sessions for parents on how to best support their VCE students during this challenging period.
As students brace for their exams, it is crucial for parents to recognize the importance of emotional support and to foster an environment where open communication can thrive. With the right strategies, both students and parents can navigate this stressful time more effectively.
